Personalized navigation control items for an application

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and computer-readable storage medium for providing personalized navigation control items of an application. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving, from a user, at least one identification element of the user on a page of the application via a mobile computing device. The method includes transmitting, to a financial institution system, the user&#39;s identification element. Upon authenticating the user by the financial institution system, the method further includes receiving, at the mobile computing device, information related to personalization of navigation control items associated with a plurality of service sections of the application. The personalization of the navigation control items are generated by applying business rules to user data by the financial institution system. The navigation control items that personalized for the user&#39;s convenience and need are displayed on a page of the application on the mobile computing device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.Application Ser. No. 15/687,863, filed Aug. 28, 2017, which in turn is acontinuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No.13/795,621, filed Mar. 12, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,779,457, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/611,482,filed Mar. 15, 2012, entitled “Personalized Navigation Control Items foran Application,” the disclosures of both of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Thisapplication is related by subject matter to the following applications:U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/611,474 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/611,479, both filed on Mar. 15, 2012. Thisapplication is also related by subject matter to the followingapplications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/795,558 and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/795,576, both filed on Mar. 12, 2013. Theentire contents of the aforementioned applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Customers demand more of the products and services they use than everbefore. They insist that the companies they deal with on a regular basisprovide them greater and greater levels of accuracy and more tailoredservice offerings. Companies configure and operate ever increasingnumbers of computer systems to achieve this. Using sources ofinformation that have traditionally been unavailable when servicingthese customers are now expected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to personalizing navigationcontrol of an application for a customer for navigating and accessingthe customer's accounts at a financial institution system. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to methods and systems forsimplifying a customer's experience by providing an application withautomatically personalized navigation control items (e.g., tabs in a tabbar) for the customer. When the customer logs into the application, thecustomer receives a custom set of navigation control items that areselected and sorted based on business intelligence about the customer.For example, navigation control items associated with products orservices owned or frequently used by the customer are placed at visuallyprominent positions in a menu bar compared to other navigation controlitems. The methods and techniques in accordance with the presentinvention can be applied to a variety of business, financial, andinsurance systems that provide a wide array of products and services forcustomers.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method performedby a processor of a mobile computing device provides personalizednavigation control for an application. The method includes providing aprocessor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor in themobile computing device. The method also includes receiving, from auser, at least one identification element of the user on a page of theapplication via the mobile computing device. Upon authenticating theuser by a financial institution system, the method includes receiving,at the mobile computing device, information related to personalizationof navigation control items associated with a plurality of primaryservice sections of the application. The personalization of thenavigation control items are generated by applying business rules touser data by the financial institution system. The method furtherincludes displaying, on a page of the application, personalizednavigation control items for the user according to the informationreceived from the financial institution system.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a methodperformed by a processor of a server computer of a financial institutionsystem provides information related to personalization of navigationcontrol for an application. The method includes providing a servercomputer for the financial institution system, having a processor and amemory operatively coupled to the processor. The method includesreceiving, at the financial institution system via an application on amobile computing device, at least one identification element associatedwith a user. The method also includes authenticating the user bycomparing the at least one identification element with the user'scredentials stored in a database of the financial institution system.The method further includes analyzing, using business rules and theprocessor, user data including the user's business relationship withrespect to each of primary service sections of the financial institutionsystem. The method further includes determining, using the processor,personalization of navigation control items for navigating the primaryservice sections on a page of the application. The navigation controlitems are personalized according to an analysis of the user data usingthe business rules. The method further includes transmitting informationrelated to personalization of the navigation control items to the mobilecomputing device.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system isprovided wherein the system comprises a processor and a computer storagemedium including a plurality of computer-readable instructions tangiblyembodied on the computer-readable storage medium. The plurality ofcomputer-readable instructions, which, when executed by a dataprocessor, provide methods described in the present application.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, acomputer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readablestorage medium includes a plurality of computer-readable instructionstangibly embodied on the computer-readable storage medium. The pluralityof computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by a dataprocessor, provide methods described in the present application.

Numerous benefits are achieved by way of the present invention overconventional techniques. Conventionally, a default set of navigationcontrol items are provided for all customers regardless of thecustomers' business relationship (e.g., account types or status owned bythe customers) with a financial institution system. In embodiments ofthe present invention, the financial institution system utilizesbusiness intelligence about its customers and personalized informationarchitecture to provide personalized navigation control of theapplication for the customers. The personalized information architectureprovides a foundation for delivering an exceptional, personal experiencefor the customer in using the application. The navigation control itemson a page of the application in accordance with the present inventioncan be adapted optimally to meet each customer's unique set of needs.The architectural extensibility of the application ensures for futuregrowth and innovation, while maintaining control and efficiency forcustomers' everyday use of the application. These and other embodimentsof the invention along with many of its advantages and features aredescribed in more detail in conjunction with the text below and attachedfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a high level schematic diagram illustrating a financialinstitution system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a high level schematic diagram illustrating an interaction ofa financial institution system with a user according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2A is a high level flowchart illustrating a method of providingpersonalized navigation control items for an application according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a high level flowchart illustrating a method of providinginformation related to personalization of navigation control items foran application from the perspective of a financial institution systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a screenshot of a page of an application showing a modalwindow for determining a user profile according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3B is a screenshot of a page of an application illustrating a userlog-on window according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a screenshot of a page of an application illustrating userauthentication according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3D is a screenshot of a page of an application illustratingpersonalization of navigation control items in a tab bar according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3E is a screenshot of a page of an application illustratingpersonalization of navigation control items in a tab bar according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a screenshot of a page of an application illustratingfeatures of a tab bar according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4B is a screenshot of a page of an application illustratingfeatures of a tab bar for prospects according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate screenshots that illustrate apersonalized information architecture of an application for first-timelogon of a user according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5D through 5E illustrate screenshots that illustrate apersonalized information architecture during the user's change inbusiness relationship with a financial institution according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5F illustrates screenshots that illustrate a personalizedinformation architecture before and after an update of personalizationof navigation control items;

FIG. 6 is a high level schematic diagram illustrating a computer systemincluding instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdescribed herein;

FIGS. 7A-7C are various screenshots of pages of an applicationillustrating details of banking accounts;

FIGS. 8A-8C are various screenshots of pages of an applicationillustrating additional features of the application;

FIG. 9 is a screenshot of a page of an application illustrating “Find aNew Home” feature;

FIGS. 10A-10C are screenshots of pages of an application illustratingvarious features related to purchasing an automobile; and

FIG. 11 is a high level schematic diagram illustrating a flowchart for anavigation control item bar at the top tier of the applicationarchitecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

A large institution, such as a financial institution, offers a widearray of products and services. For example, a financial institution maybe a diverse, complex organization that includes many business sections,such as banking, insurance, investments, or the like. Thus, bringing allthe diverse aspects and business of a financial institution into asingle application (or a website) in a unified fashion may createimmense complexity in the user interfaces being delivered by thefinancial institution. When a financial institution structures theseproducts and services into information architecture (IA) for a digitalchannel, the result can sometimes be overwhelming to its customers. Onetype of user interface and navigation features may not be ideallyconfigured for all customers. Some websites allow users to customize andconfigure navigation features. However, only a few customers takeadvantages of these self-customization features due to lack of interestor time.

In embodiments of the present invention, the user interfaces for thedigital channels for mobile computing devices can be prioritized,organized, and personalized automatically by a server computer for thecustomer according to business intelligence about the customer.Embodiments of the present invention utilize personalized informationarchitecture that adapts optimally to meet each customer's unique set ofneeds. An application in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention simplifies a customer's experience by creating a personalizednavigation control or menu bar and remembering the customer'spersonalized navigation control settings across all applicationsessions.

As an illustration, each customer who logs onto an application inaccordance with the present invention receives a personalized set ofnavigation control items, such as tabs featured in a tab bar. For thefirst time user of the application, the navigation control items areselected and sorted based on business intelligence about the customer byidentifying products owned and services utilized by the customer,followed by a needs-based targeting to personalize the navigationcontrol items. The business intelligence may include analyzing thecustomer's ownership of account types (e.g., banking, insurance,investments, or the like), the customer's frequency of use of variousservices, account balances for different services at the financialinstitution, or the like. Based on the customer's business relationship,the financial institution system can custom populate and reordernavigation menu and options so that the navigation control items arepersonalized and tailored for each customer.

As an example, if a customer has only an automobile insurance policywith a financial institution, then the navigation control itemassociated with insurance may be placed at the most visually prominentplace (e.g., left hand side of a tab bar). In another example, if acustomer has investment accounts but not any insurance accounts, then anavigation control item associated with investments may be placed at themost visually prominent place in the tab bar. Using business rules, thefinancial institution system can determine how to populate the rest ofthe tab or menu according to the customer's business relationship andneeds.

The configuration of navigation control items (e.g., tab configuration)can be synchronized with the financial institution server computers,ensuring that the customer's experiences can remain consistent acrossmultiple client devices. Furthermore, the configuration of navigationcontrol items can be stored in a server computer so that theconfiguration can be recovered during a re-installation of theapplication. Additionally, local cache of the navigation control itemarrangement (e.g., tab bar arrangement) can be stored in the applicationfor a subsequent application launch, optimizing the customer'sexperience for frequent use of the application. An application accordingto the present invention ensures architectural extensibility for futuregrowth and innovation, while maintaining control and efficiency forcustomers' everyday use of the application.

As described more fully throughout the present specification,embodiments of the present invention provide technologies to provide acustomer with an application with navigation control items that arepersonalized for the customer. Additional description related to theseembodiments is provided throughout the present specification and moreparticularly below.

FIG. 1A is a high level block diagram illustrating a financialinstitution system 110. The financial institution system 110 utilizesinputs received from the user and processes the received inputs toprovide various outputs including information related to personalizationof navigation control items for an application. In embodiments of thepresent invention, the financial institution system may be operated by afinancial services company, which may offer a number of differentservices, including banking, insurance, investment, credit card, or thelike. While FIG. 1A illustrates a financial institution system as anexample, the system 110 can be utilized by any type of entity orbusiness that has diverse business sectors and wish to provide userinterfaces that can be prioritized and personalized based on businessintelligence about the user.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, multiple inputs can be received from theuser. The inputs may include information related to a userprofile-whether the user is a current customer or a prospect (whoseidentity is unknown). Alternatively, the user may indicate that the userwants to register and become a customer. The received inputs may alsoinclude log-on information from the current customer to obtain a securedaccess to the financial institution system via the application on themobile computing device. The user may seek access to the financialinstitution system 110 to obtain information, such as accountinformation, products, or services. For example, the user may seekaccess to the financial institution through a selection of a navigationcontrol item on a page of the application on a mobile computing device.The financial institution system can also receive transactioninformation related to the user's accounts (e.g., paying bills, deposit,transfer of funds, or the like). Although four inputs are illustrated inFIG. 1A, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to theseparticular inputs, and other inputs are within the scope of the presentinvention.

Once information and/or requests from the user are received by thefinancial institution system, a data processor 112 and engines 113(e.g., authentication engine, user interface engine, financial engine,business rules engine, or the like) interact with a number of differentdatabases (e.g., account databases 120 and customer database 122) toperform various analyses. In an embodiment, using information related tothe user's business relationship with the financial institution,personalization of navigation control items for an application can bedetermined for the user's convenience. For example, if the user accessesbanking accounts more frequently than insurance accounts, thenpersonalization of navigation control items may include placing anavigation control item associated with banking services at a morevisually prominent place in a tab bar on a page of the application thana navigation control item associated with insurance services. While thefinancial institution system 110 can also include other databases,engines, systems, subsystems, or the like, these other components arenot illustrated in FIG. 1A.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, multiple outputs can be provided for the userby the financial institution system 110. For example, confirmation ofuser authentication can be provided as an output. Also, informationrelated to personalization of navigation control items for anapplication can be provided as an output. Furthermore, confirmation ofrequested transactions (e.g., paying bills, transferring money betweenaccounts, or the like) can be provided as an output. Although threeoutputs are illustrated, embodiments of the present invention are notlimited to these particular outputs, and other outputs are within thescope of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a high level schematic diagram illustrating an interaction ofa financial institution system with a user according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, a user operating amobile computing device 150 interacts with the financial institutionsystem 110 through network 130. The mobile computing device 150 caninclude any suitable type of mobile computing device. For example,mobile computing device 150 may include a portable electronic devicethat the user may hold in his or her hand, such as a digital mediaplayer (e.g., an iPod™), a personal data assistant (“PDA”), a cellularphone (iPhone™, Android™ phone, Blackberry™, or other smartphones), atablet computer (e.g., iPad™, Android™ tablets, or the like). While FIG.1B illustrates a mobile computing device 150 as an example, otherelectronic device that is substantially fixed, such as a desktopcomputer, may be used as a client device to interact with financialinstitution system 110.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the financial institution system 110 includes adata processor 112, also referred to as a processor, and a memory 114.The description provided in relation to processors and memory in FIG. 6is also applicable to the data processor 112 and memory 114. Aninput/output module 116 (also referred to as a communications module) isprovided to enable communications between the financial institutionsystem and external users, computers, and mobile computing devices.

The financial institution system 110 also includes account databases120, external database 124, and a customer database 122. The financialinstitution system 110 is communicatively coupled, in one example, to anexternal database 124, which may include additional customer, merchant,or financial services information. The account databases 120, incontrast with the external database 124, are maintained by the companyoperating the financial institution system 110, typically by a financialservices company such as the present assignee. As described more fullythroughout the present specification, the I/O module 116, the dataprocessor 112, memory 114, account databases 120, and customer database122 can be utilized to receive inputs from the user mobile computingdevice 150 and transmit requested information and information related topersonalization of navigation control items for an application to theuser device.

The customer database 122 stores data on customers/members of anorganization, which may include both existing customers and/or potentialcustomers of a financial services company. In embodiments of the presentinvention, the term “member” is used instead of “customer.” The use ofthe term “member” is not intended to limit the scope of the presentinvention but merely to provide an example of a customer who may bebenefited by embodiments of the present invention. In this sense, theuse of the term member is intended to cover the term customer. Inembodiments of the present invention, any discussions related to amember in this application also apply to a customer, and vice versa.

The data on the member/customer stored in the customer database 122 mayinclude a customer's name, address, date of birth, Social Securitynumber, credit history, and other demographic information, informationregarding financial accounts held by the customer, information regardingthe customer's transaction history, or the like. In some embodiments,the members' identification elements, such as a user name, passwords,PINs, biometrics, or other credentials may be also stored in thecustomer database 122 or in another database not shown in FIG. 1B.

The financial institution system 110 also includes engines 113. Theengines 113 may be a single engine or a collection of engines performingdifferent functions. For example, the engines 113 may include afinancial services engine, an authentication engine, a user interfaceengine, and a business rules engine. The financial services engine anddata processor 112 interact with account databases 120 to processfinancial data of the user. The financial services engine may, forexample, transfer money between accounts of the user or pay billsaccording to instructions received from the user.

The authentication engine can analyze and process personal credentialdata from the user and user devices. The personal credential datareceived from the user can be compared with credentials previouslystored in a database, such as user names, passwords, secret phrases,personal identification numbers (PINs), biometrics, or othercredentials. The authentication engine may use the personal credentialdata to authenticate the user to permit access to contents associatedwith the financial institution system via network 130 through the mobilecomputing device.

In some embodiments, a part of the authentication process can be run bythe client device (e.g., a mobile computing device). The user'scredential information may be stored in the memory of the client device.Upon receiving an input from the user, the user may be authenticatedlocally by comparing the user input against the credential informationretrieved from the local memory.

The user interface engine of the financial institution system maygenerate and format one or more pages of content (e.g., display views)as a unified graphical presentation that may be provided to one or moreof the user devices, including the mobile computing device 150, as anoutput from the financial institution system 110. The pages of contentmay be provided to the mobile computing device 150 via an applicationdownloaded on, or otherwise configured with, the mobile computing device150 or via a website associated with the financial institution. Thepages of content may be provided to mobile computing devices as well asother user devices of the user, such as a desktop computer, depending onthe implementation. In some embodiments, pages of content may begenerated and stored locally in the client device when the applicationis executed in the client device.

Upon authenticating the user identity and/or user profile, the userinterface engine may generate and format pages of content according tothe user identity and user profile. For example, if the financialinstitution system receives a request for banking information (via theuser selection of a banking tab on a mobile application), pages ofcontent generated for a current customer may include information relatedto the customer's bank accounts. By contrast, if the request is receivedfrom a prospect, the generated pages of content may include marketinginformation related to banking products or services. One or more pagesof contents generated by the user interface engine are then transmittedto the user mobile computing device.

The business rules engine of the financial institution system can applybusiness rules to user data (e.g., financial, personal, and other dataof the user) to custom tailor navigation control items and personalizethem on a graphical user interface for the user. The business rules maybe dynamic as the financial institution may also change or update therules applied by the business rules engine. The changes in the user'sfinancial, personal, or other data may also trigger the application ofbusiness rules that did not previously apply.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the business rules depend onmany factors, including types of accounts owned by the user, values ofaccounts, and frequency of the user's access to each account, or thelike. As an example, if the user has only banking accounts, then anavigation control item for banking services may be displayed at themost prominent place on a page of the application (e.g., at the top of amenu). In another example, if it is determined that the user accessesthe user's investment accounts more frequently than banking or insuranceaccounts, then a navigation control item for investments services may bedisplayed more prominently than the banking or insurance navigationcontrol items.

In some embodiments, behavioral data can be aggregated to contribute tothe business rules (e.g., “members with characteristics like this memberare most likely to need the following . . . ”). Additionally,business-determined priority might also be utilized as a factor.

A user operating the mobile computing device 150 interacts with thefinancial institution system 110 through network 130, which may be theInternet. In some embodiments, the network 130 is partly or wholly aprivate wide area network, local area network, or the like.

In FIG. 1B, the mobile computing device 150 may have installed on it, orotherwise configured, with an application for navigating and accessingmain features or services provided by the financial institution. Forexample, a user can request to transfer money between accounts usinguser interface 158, which results in data transfer through I/O module156 and network 130. The information from the user, for example, arequest for transfer of funds, can be used by the financial institutionsystem 110 to determine if the transfer should be approved. The mobilecomputing device 150 can receive responses such as requests to updateinformation from the financial institution system 110, process thereceived information using data processor 152, store the received and/orprocessed information using memory 154, and display the processed/storedinformation using the user interface 158, which may be touch-screenenabled.

While FIG. 1B illustrates the mobile computing device 150 interactingwith the financial institution system 110, any user computing device,such as a desktop computer, may interact with the financial institutionsystem in the manner described in the present application. Many featuresdescribed in relation to an application for a mobile computing deviceare applicable to websites for a mobile computing device or a desktopcomputer.

FIG. 2A is a high level flowchart illustrating a method performed by amobile computing device. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, themethod 200 is used to provide personalized navigation control items fora user on a page of an application for a mobile computing device. Thepersonalized navigation control items are prioritized and organizedaccording to business rules and the user's business relationship with afinancial institution. In one embodiment, navigation control items thathave higher priority values for the user are displayed at more visuallyprominent positions on a page of the application than navigation controlitems that have lower priority values.

In FIG. 2A, the method 200 includes providing a processor and a memory,operatively coupled to the processor for the mobile computing device(210). The mobile computing device may have installed on it, orotherwise configured with, an application to assist a user to navigateand access the user's accounts held at a financial institution. Forexample, an application according to embodiments of the presentinvention may be downloaded from a financial institution system or thirdparty sites and is stored in the memory of the mobile computing device.In another embodiment, the application can reside on a financialinstitution system (e.g., a server computer) or a third party computerand can be accessed via network, and parts of the application may bedownloaded to the mobile computing device for local processing each timeit is used.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the application islaunched by a user first the first time on the user's mobile computingdevice, the application can display a launch page with a default set ofnavigation control items for navigating a plurality primary servicesections of the application (212). In embodiments of the presentinvention, the navigation control items can be any type of userinterface element that allows a user to navigate different parts of theapplication. For example, the navigation control items can be in theform of icons, buttons, or tabs on a page of the application that allowsthe user to navigate different primary service sections of theapplication (at the top tier or first level of the applicationarchitecture) or any main features of services provided by the financialinstitution. The navigation control items can be of any suitable size orshape. They can include text, symbols, and/or other graphicalrepresentations that allow the user to recognize that tapping a givennavigation control item on a touch-screen user interface can bring aview related to a particular primary service section of the financialinstitution system.

The “primary” service sections of the application can refer to sectionsat the top tier of the application architecture that allow a user tointeract with core services of the financial institution or to performcommon tasks in utilizing the core services. For example, the coreservices or business provided by a financial institution can includebanking, insurance, investments, or the like. The common tasks that areperformed by a user in utilizing the core services can include billpaying, depositing money, transferring money, viewing a summary of allaccounts, or the like. These common tasks are performed in high-volume,at high-frequency by a user, and they are placed at the top tier of theapplication architecture together with the core services of thefinancial institution. In some embodiments, member services related toautomobile, home, retirement, or the like may be also included at thetop tier of the application architecture.

In an embodiment of the present invention, each navigation control itemon a page of the application can be labeled and associated with each ofthe primary service sections of the financial institution. For example,each navigation control item can be labeled and associated with primaryservice sections, such as “insurance,” “banking,” “investment,” “paybills,” “transfer/deposit,” “all accounts,” or the like. The navigationcontrol items may be organized in a tab bar or in any other suitableformat (e.g., a menu) and displayed on one or more pages of theapplication. In one embodiment, the navigation control items are groupedtogether in a tab or menu bar and displayed at a visually prominentplace (e.g., at the bottom) on a page of the application. In anotherembodiment, the navigation control items associated with the primaryservice sections are displayed in a tab bar on all pages of theapplication. This allows the user to readily navigate to any primaryservice section at the top tier of the application architecture from anypage of the application.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the method includes providing an input screen toreceive the user's profile and/or log-on information (214). For example,a welcome screen may be used to request a user to identify a userprofile as follows:

-   -   1. I'm a current customer—I'd like to log on;    -   2. I'd like to become a customer; and    -   3. I'm not a current customer—I'd like to browse.

If the user's selection from one of the options indicates that the useris an existing customer, a customer log-in screen is displayed. If theuser's selection indicates that the user wants to become a customer,then a different set of input screens may be provided for the user. Ifthe user's selection indicates that the user is not a current customer(i.e., a prospect) and wants to browse the application, then the usermay be profiled as a prospect, and contents for prospects may beprovided to the user through the application.

In embodiments of the present invention, the use of a welcome screen isone example of receiving the user's log-on information (i.e.,identification elements associated with the user). Instead of using awelcome screen to determine a user profile and to receive log-oninformation, a separate log-on icon can be provided in one or more pagesof the application. This allows the user to browse various features ofthe application as a prospect before logging in to obtain a securedaccess to the financial institution system to view private and sensitivedata, such as the user's financial data (e.g., banking, insurance,investments, or the like).

As shown in FIG. 2A, the method 200 also includes receiving, from theuser, at least one identification element of the user on a page of theapplication (216). The identification elements (e.g., log-oninformation) can include information such as a user ID, a password,PINs, biometrics, or other credentials used to authenticate the user. Inan embodiment, the identification elements received from the user istransmitted to a financial institution system (218). The authenticationprocedures can also involve the use of digital certificates or asecurity key.

Upon receiving the user's identification elements, the authenticationengine of the financial institution may retrieve the user's credentialinformation stored in the customer database 122 or another database. Theauthentication engine then compares and analyzes the identificationelements received from the user by comparing them against the useridentification, password, and other identifying elements stored in thedatabase. In another embodiment, in addition to authenticating the userby the financial institution system, the user may be authenticatedlocally by retrieving user's credential information stored in the memoryof the mobile computing device.

After the financial institution system authenticates the user, themethod 200 also includes receiving, at the mobile computing device, anindication that the user has been authenticated (220). For example, apersonal greeting using the user's name may be displayed on a page ofthe application.

The method further includes receiving, from the financial institutionsystem, information related to personalization of navigation controlitems for navigating a page of the application for the user (222). Inembodiments of the present invention, personalization of the navigationcontrol items refers to selecting, sorting, and highlighting a set ofnavigation control items by a server computer for the user based onbusiness intelligence about the user. The business rules engine of thefinancial institution applies business rules to the user data todetermine how the navigation control items should be personalized forthe user's convenience and needs.

The business rules can be based on a variety of factors. In oneembodiment, the business rules may relate to the user's own accountinformation—a type of accounts owned by the user, values of accounts, ora frequency of access to each account by the user (via online,telephone, or in person). Based on these factors, a default set ofnavigation control items are selected for the user. In one embodiment,the navigation control items associated with primary service sectionsfrequently accessed by the user are displayed at most prominentpositioned on a page of the application. In another embodiment, thenavigation control items associated with highest asset values may bedisplayed at most prominent positions on the user interface.

In another embodiment, the business rules may be based on a utilizationpattern of application features by the user's peer group. For example, asuitable algorithm can be applied to aggregate behavioral data of a peergroup (members who are similarly situated as the user financially oreconomically) to determine which features of the application are mostfrequently used. For example, if the peer group uses a navigationcontrol item associated with banking services more frequently than anavigation control item associated with insurance services on theapplication, then the navigation control item for banking may be given ahigher priority value than the navigation control item for insurance.

In some embodiments, the business rules can be driven by the businessinterest of a financial institution. For example, if the financialinstitution would like consumers to be more aware of its particular lineof business or products, the navigation control items can be prioritizedand organized based on the business interest of the financialinstitution. In another embodiment, the business rule can be driven bythe subject matter. The navigation control items or tabs can be alignedin terms of natural clusters based on the subject matter. For example,the navigation control items for “pay bills” or “deposit/transfer” maybe clustered next to the navigation control item for “banking” sincepaying bill and depositing/transferring funds are typically usedtogether with banking services.

The navigation control items can be personalized for the user in variousways. The navigation control items may be personalized according to itsposition, color, size of fonts, size of icons, or the like on the userinterface. For example, if previous transaction records online indicatethat the user uses banking services more frequently than insuranceservices, then a navigation control item for banking can be arranged tobe placed at a more visually prominent position. For example, if ahorizontal tab bar is used to present navigation control items, anavigation control item with a higher priority value will be positionedtowards a left hand side of the tab bar, which is a place to which theuser's eyes are typically first drawn. If the navigation control itemsare to be arranged vertically (e.g., a vertical menu bar), then anavigation control item that will be most frequently used or moreimportant to the user may be placed near the top of the menu.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the method further includes displaying, on a pageof the application on the mobile computing device, navigation controlitems personalized for the user according to the information receivedfrom the financial institution system (224). In one embodiment, thepersonalized navigation control items are displayed on a page of theapplication concurrently with a personal greeting indicating that theuser has been authenticated. When the personalized navigation controlitems are being displayed, an explicit message may be conveyed to theuser that the navigation control items are being sorted and organizedfor the user's convenience. Typically, the navigation control items arepersonalized and custom configured when the user first ever launches theapplication. The personalized navigation control items can be alsore-customized and updated if the user data or applicable business ruleschange.

In one embodiment, a default set of navigation control items previouslydisplayed on a page of the application (e.g., on a launch page) can bereplaced with a new set of personalized navigation control items in step224. In another embodiment, a launch page or introductory page of theapplication may not include any navigation control items. In thisembodiment, personalized navigation control items are populated, forexample in a tab bar, on a page of the application after the user hasbeen authenticated and the user's account type and status have beenanalyzed by the financial institution system.

If the user would like to modify the personalized navigation controlitems, the user is allowed to further customize the personalizednavigation control items on a page of the application. As an example,the user can change the configuration of a tab bar by dragging desirednavigation control items into the tab bar.

In embodiments of the present invention, the personalized navigationcontrol items can be stored in the application for a subsequentapplication launch, optimizing the user's experience for frequent use ofthe application. The configuration of personalized navigation controlitems can be also synchronized with a financial institution systemserver, ensuring that the user's experience can remain consistent acrossmultiple client devices or when recovering from a re-installation of theapplication.

While the method 200 shown in FIG. 2A discusses personalizing navigationcontrol items associated with primary service sections of theapplication at the top tier (e.g., first level) of the application, thenavigation control items for subsequent levels can be also personalizedaccording to business rules and user data. For example, upon selectingan “investment” tab as a navigation control item at the first level ofthe application architecture, navigation control items at the secondlevel of architecture associated with the investment section (e.g.,trade, research, transfer funds, or the like) can be sorted andorganized for the user's convenience according to business rules anduser data.

It should be appreciated that the specific steps illustrated in FIG. 2Aprovide a particular method of providing personalized navigation controlitems on a page of an application according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Other sequences of steps may also be performedaccording to alternative embodiments. For example, alternativeembodiments of the present invention may perform the steps outlinedabove in a different order. Moreover, the individual steps illustratedin FIG. 2A may include multiple sub-steps that may be performed invarious sequences as appropriate to the individual step. Furthermore,additional steps may be added or removed depending on the particularapplications. For example, features described in other figures or partsof the application can be combined with the features described in FIG.2A. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations,modifications, and alternatives.

FIG. 2B is a high level flowchart illustrating a method 250 ofgenerating personalization of navigation control items from theperspective of a financial institution system (e.g., a server computer)according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.2B, the method 250 includes providing a computer having a processor anda memory, operatively coupled to the processor (252). The computer canbe a server computer of the financial institution system which caninteract with a user via an application on a mobile computing device.

The method 250 includes receiving, at the financial institution system,at least one identification element from the user via an application onthe mobile computing device (254). The identification elements includeinformation such as a user ID, a password, PINs, secret phrases,biometrics, or other credentials used to authenticate the user. Theauthentication engine of the financial institution may authenticate theuser by comparing the received identification element with the user'scredential information stored in the customer database 122 or anotherdatabase (256). Upon authenticating the user, confirmation of the userauthentication is transmitted to the mobile computing device (258).

During or subsequent to the user authentication process, user dataincluding the user's account information is analyzed using businessrules and the processor of the computer to prioritize and organizenavigation control items for the application (260). The business rulesengine of the financial institution system can retrieve business rulesand apply the rules to the user's data. The business rules can be basedon the user's account types and status and/or the frequency of user'sinteraction with certain service sections of the financial institutionin person, over telephone, via website, or the like. In someembodiments, the business rules can be based on aggregate behavior ofthe user's peer group.

As an example, navigation control items that are associated withaccounts owned by the user can be positioned most prominently for theuser. As an illustration if the user owns bank accounts but do not owninsurance policies, then a navigation control item (e.g., tab)associated with banking may be displayed at the most visually prominentplace, such as on the left hand side of a horizontal tab bar.

In another example, navigation control items may be prioritized andorganized based on the frequency of account access or interaction withthe user. As an illustration, if transaction records of the financialinstitution system indicate that the user conducts most transactionswith the investment section of the financial institution system followedby the banking section, then the investment section may be assigned ahigher priority value compared to the banking section according to thebusiness rules. Based on the assigned priority values, a navigationcontrol item associated with the investment section may be positioned ata more visually prominent place than a navigation control itemassociated with the banking section.

In yet another example, the business rules can also be based onaggregate behavior of the user's peer group (members of which aresimilarly situated as the user financially or economically). If analysisof the user's peer group transaction records by suitable softwareindicates that the user's peer group utilizes certain features more thanother features, more highly utilized features can be given higherpriority values. Navigation control items associated with more highlyutilized features can be placed at more visually prominent places on apage of the application according to the assigned priority values.

In some embodiments, the business rules can be driven by the businessinterest of a financial institution. If the financial institution wouldlike its consumers to be more aware of a particular line of business orproduct, the navigation control items can be prioritized and organizedbased on these factors. In another embodiment, the business rule can bedriven by the subject matter. The navigation control items can bealigned in terms of natural clusters of subject matter and groupedtogether.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the method includes generating personalization ofnavigation control items for display on a page of the application on themobile computing device wherein the navigation control items arepersonalized according to the business rules and the user data (262). Asdiscussed above, personalization of navigation control items can includeprioritizing and organizing navigation control items for the user on apage of the application. The organization and prioritization can bebased on the user's previous transaction history with the financialinstitution, the peer group's utilization pattern of features, thefinancial institution's business interest, or the like.

In one embodiment of the present invention, personalization ofnavigation control items may include organizing and prioritizing themaccording to their priority values. For example, one or more factorsassociated with the user data can be assigned certain point values. Forexample, if a user utilizes banking services 10 times more thaninsurance services and if the same user utilizes investment services 5times more than the insurance services, then navigation control itemsassociated with these services may be assigned point values according totheir utilization frequency. For example, a navigation control item forbanking services may be assigned 10 points, a navigation control itemfor investment services may be assigned 5 points, and a navigationcontrol item may be assigned 1 point.

Based on these assigned priority values, the navigation control itemsmay be organized and prioritized on a user interface. For example, thenavigation control items can be assigned to certain position, color,size of fonts, size of icons, or the like on a graphical user interface.For example, if the banking tab will be more frequently used than theinsurance tab, the banking tab may be positioned on the left hand siderelative to the insurance tab in a horizontal tab bar on a page of theapplication. Alternatively, the banking tab may be positioned near thetop of a vertical menu, above the insurance tab. In another example, ifthe banking tab will be more frequently used than the insurance tab,then the “banking” tab may be shown in a larger text than the“insurance” tab. These are mere examples of personalization ofnavigation control items, and other variations and within the scope ofthe present invention.

Upon determining personalization of navigation control items, theinformation related to the personalization of navigation control itemsis transmitted to the mobile computing device (264). The mobilecomputing device may then process the received information and displaythe personalized navigation control items that have been organized andprioritized for the user on a page of the application.

In embodiments of the present invention, the financial institutionsystem can determine personalization of navigation control items atdifferent time points. In one embodiment, personalization of navigationcontrol items can be determined when a user launches and logs into theapplication for the first time via the mobile computing device. For thefirst time users of the application, the financial institution systemcustomizes the architecture around the users' business relationship withthe financial institution system. In another embodiment, personalizationof navigation control items may be updated for the user when thefinancial institution changes or updates the business rules applied bythe business rules engine. In yet another embodiment, thepersonalization of navigation control items may be updated due to thedynamic nature of the user's financial data and transactions. Forexample, if the user's utilization frequency of primary service sectionschanges over time, then priority values assigned to navigation controlitems can also change, resulting in updating the personalization ofnavigation control items.

It should be appreciated that the specific steps illustrated in FIG. 2Bprovide a particular method of providing information related topersonalization of navigation control items from the perspective of thefinancial institution system (e.g., a server computer) according to anembodiment of the present invention. Other sequences of steps may alsobe performed according to alternative embodiments. For example,alternative embodiments of the present invention may perform the stepsoutlined above in a different order. Moreover, the individual stepsillustrated in FIG. 2B may include multiple sub-steps that may beperformed in various sequences as appropriate to the individual step.Furthermore, additional steps may be added or removed depending on theparticular applications. For example, features described in otherfigures or parts of the application can be combined with the featuresdescribed in FIG. 2B. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognizemany variations, modifications, and alternatives.

FIG. 3A is a screenshot of an exemplary page of an application when theapplication is launched in a mobile computing device. While many figuresin the present application illustrate schematic views of pages of anapplication on an iPad™ or iPhone™, embodiments of the present inventioncan be applied to any suitable platforms. These include, for example,Window™, Objective C™, Linux™, Android™, or the like. Thus, anapplication in accordance with the present invention can be used withany suitable touch-screen mobile devices. The concepts described in thepresent application can be also applied to a website design fornon-mobile computing devices (e.g., a desk top) or a mobile website.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the content loads and then a welcomemodal window 301 shown in FIG. 3A animates onto the screen. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3A, a user has an option to select one of threeuser profile choices:

-   -   1. “I'm a member—I'd like to log on”    -   2. “I'd like to become a member”    -   3. “I'm not a member—I'd like to browse.”

In FIG. 3A, touching outside of the frame may dismiss the modal window.The modal window may be tucked off in a corner of a screen where it iseasy to retrieve with a touch.

In another embodiment, the welcome log-on modal window shown in FIG. 3Aappears after the user taps one of the tabs (e.g., Banking, Pay Bills,Transfer, Insurance, or the like) in the tab bar on the bottom of thescreen to a secure access to the financial institution system. Tapping atab for the first time during a session displays a background userinterface template for that section (already profiled to prospect,member-owner, member-prospect, or the like). When a user indicates thatthe user is a member, then the screen transitions to a log-on windowshown in FIG. 3B. When the user indicates that the user is not a memberbut would like to browse, then the modal window is dismissed and theapplication is then profiled for a prospect experience. When the userindicates that the user would like to become a member, then a new windowappears indicating that the user is leaving the application to open aweb page in Safari. The window also includes buttons for “Cancel” or“Continue.”

FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate a log-on window that appears to the screenwhen the user taps “I'm a member” option shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3B showsa log-on window, in which the user can input the user's online ID andpassword. The user's log-on information is transmitted to the financialinstitution system. While the financial institution system (e.g., aserver computer) authenticates the user, an “Authenticating . . . ”message is displayed on the screen of the mobile computing device asshown in FIG. 3C.

FIG. 3D illustrates an exemplary screenshot of an application when theuser authentication process has been completed. A personal greeting 311shown on a log-on modal window 313 assures the user that authenticationwas successful. During the log on process, the financial institutionsystem has analyzed the type and status of accounts held by the member.This data can be used to choose the best possible default set of iconsor tabs 315 to place in a tab bar 317. After determining the businessrelationship with the financial institution, the navigation controlitems or tabs 315 can be populated and reordered in the tab bar.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3D, a sequential animation canprovide a clear visual feedback to the user about the fact that the tabbar is being customized and personalized for the user. For example, alarge icon 319 shown in the log-on modal can fade in. Then the largeicon 319 can jump and shrink into the tab bar 317 shown below, replacingthe previous icons or tabs shown in the launch state. Then the next iconor tab fades in. During the animation, the keyboard shown in FIG. 3C canbe scrolled away after a successful authentication.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3D, the financial institutionsystem may have determined that the user has used the banking servicesof the financial institution more frequently than the insuranceservices. Thus, the banking tab has been placed towards the left handside of the tab bar 317, which is typically the most visually prominentplace in a horizontal cluster of icons.

FIG. 3E illustrates another exemplary screenshot of an applicationshowing personalization of navigation control items. When Jane Doe hasbeen authenticated as a customer of the financial institution, a message321 indicating confirmation of user authentication is displayed on alog-on modal window 323. During the log-on procedure, the financialinstitution system has determined that Jane Doe has investment accounts,banking accounts, and insurance accounts with the financial institutionsystem. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3E, the financialinstitution system has further determined that Jane Doe frequentlytrades on her investment accounts and utilizes investment services morefrequently, followed by banking services, and then insurance services.Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 3E, a navigation control item 325associated with the investment section has been placed on the left handside in a tab bar 327. On the other hand, a navigation control item 329associated with the banking section and a navigation control item 331associated with the insurance section have been placed towards the righthand side of the tab bar 327. Since trading and researching are tasksassociated with investment services, navigation control items 333 and335 associated with trading and researching, respectively, are clusterednext to the navigation control item 325 associated with the investmentsection.

In FIG. 3E, the shapes of navigation control items are differentiated bythe subject matter, and they are personalized using different shapes,shape sizes, and text sizes. For example, the navigation control itemsassociated with investment services and their tasks (e.g., trade andresearch) are in the shape of a rectangle. The navigation control itemassociated with the banking services is in the shape of an ellipse, andthe navigation control item associated with the insurance services is inthe shape of a triangle. Furthermore, since trading and researching arecommon tasks performed while utilizing investment services, thenavigation control items for these common tasks are shown in smallericons and text sizes.

FIG. 4A illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary page of an applicationwhen the “Explore” tab 401 is selected in a tab bar 403. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the tab bar 403 is the primary means ofnavigating primary service sections in a mobile application. The tab baris used for most common tasks, including viewing banking, insurance,investment, transfer, pay bills, or the like. When the user has openedone tab (e.g., “Transfer” tab), tapping directly into another tab leavessticky note open for a return trip to the open tab. Thus, during asingle session, the user can move back and forth between tabs. Theuser's view state can be preserved when moving across the tabs (scrollstate, show/hide toggle, or the like). If a user deep-dived andinteracted extensively into the content of any given tab, re-tapping theparent tab can take the user back to the original parent tab view. Also,the user can interact extensively into each tab into a specific set ofdata (for example, from the investments tab into an account summaryview, and from that account summary to a particular scroll state, or thelike). The view state can be preserved for the user's reverse path. Theview state can be discarded elsewhere.

FIG. 4B illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary page of an applicationwhen the user indicated that the user is not a member of the financialinstitution on the screen shown in FIG. 3A and that the user wants tobrowse the application. The application delivers a unique set of welcomeinformation to encourage exploration of the application for prospects.The featured icons 411 in the tab bar 413 shown in FIG. 4B focus on coreaspects of how the financial institution can serve a customer.

FIGS. 5A through 5E illustrate screenshots of an iPhone™, which has asmaller screen size than iPad™ shown in FIG. 3A through FIG. 4B. Thus,the navigation control items associated with main features of theapplication are displayed in a menu form rather than in a horizontal tabbar as shown in FIGS. 3A through 4B.

FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate screenshots of exemplary pages of anapplication which illustrate personalized information architecture whena customer logs onto the application for the first time. When the userlaunches an application on the user mobile computing device in Screen 1shown in FIG. 5A, a welcome page is displayed as shown in Screen 2. Whenthe user selects a “log on” option on Screen 2, a log-on screen shown inScreen 3 is displayed for the user. As shown in Screen 4, the user caninput an online ID and password.

FIG. 5B illustrates customization (personalization) process of theapplication by the financial institution system. As shown in Screens 5and 6, a message that the application is being customized is displayedon the screen of the mobile computing device. After authentication, theapplication is personalized according to the customer's businessrelationship with the financial institution. Icons animate into the mainscreen. As shown in Screen 7, a navigation control item associated withinsurance services (which is determined by the financial institutionsystem to have the highest priority value for the customer) is placed atthe top of the screen. As shown in Screen 8, customization andpopulating the main screen with navigation control items repeat untilall main features have been added.

FIG. 5C illustrates Screen 9, when the application is ready for use.FIG. 5C illustrates a screen of the mobile computing device withnavigation control items associated with the main features. Additionalmain features can be seen when the user scrolls down the screen. Asshown in FIG. 5C, the navigation control for insurance accounts isplaced at the top position of the screen because the user has onlyinsurance accounts with the financial institution. The navigationcontrol items for banking and investments are shown towards the bottomof the screen under the “More” section, because the user may not yethave these accounts with the financial institution or are under-utilizedcompared to the insurance accounts.

FIGS. 5D through 5F illustrate screenshots of exemplary pages of anapplication which illustrate personalized information architecture whenthe customer's business relationship changes with the financialinstitution. In Screen 1 shown in FIG. 5D, the customer completes a task(e.g., opening a checking account) which results in an alteredrelationship status with the financial institution. As shown in Screen 1of FIG. 5D, the screen of the mobile computing device provides anexplicit message for the customer: “Adding new features . . . ” Screen 2of the mobile computing device shows an animation of the navigationcontrol item for banking moving upward and the navigation control itemfor insurance moving downward, explicitly illustrating personalizationof the screen to show the introduction of new capabilities. As shown inScreen 3 of FIG. 5D, animation might include representation of newaccount, policy, or services.

In FIG. 5E, Screen 4 shows the new element (i.e., banking account)animating into the parent category, under “Accounts.” FIG. 5E, Screen 5illustrates a user interface of the mobile computing device, ready withnavigation control items that have been personalized according to thealtered business relationship with the financial institution. The newlyenabled categories and features are highlighted as “New” in Screen 5.Under “Accounts” menu, the navigation control item for banking has beenadded on top of the navigation control item for insurance. Under“Everyday Tasks” menu, the navigation control items for “Send & Deposit”and “Bills” have been added.

In FIG. 5F illustrates two screenshots before and after updating thepersonalized information architecture based on the change in thecustomer's relationship with the financial institution. Thearchitectural elements that are now owned by the member are brought tothe forefront and highlighted with “New” indicators.

FIG. 7A illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary page of an applicationshowing accounts when a user taps on a “Banking” tab 701. As shown inFIG. 7A, a user can save progress on a CD application 703. The “Banking”tab now acts as a hub for product applications. Selecting “ContinueApplication for Certificate of Deposit” on the screen provides a spaceto reiterate the value proposition. If the application is not completedby an expiration date, “Continue Application for Certificate of Deposit”would disappear from the screen.

FIG. 7B illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary page of an applicationwhen a user taps on a “Banking” tab 705 to view an account summary afterthe member logs and is successfully authenticated. The member's accountsummary of deposits and loans are displayed on the screen. If the memberdoes not have a credit card with the financial institution, then atargeted marketing message 707 may be displayed under “Credit Cards” forthe member. The account summary may also include accounts from otherfinancial institutions. Typically, the “Credit Cards” category will besorted to the bottom of the list (maintaining day-to-day focus on tasks)and offering a starting point for obtaining a card.

FIG. 7C illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary page of an applicationwhen a member selects an “Add” icon 709 associated with loans. Uponselecting the “Add” icon 709, a new drop-down menu 711 is displayed,from which the member can select “Apply for a Loan” item from the menu.The selection brings up a next level new menu 713, from which the membercan select one of the loans to apply. When the member selects“Mortgages” from the menu 715, a next level menu 717 is displayed, fromwhich the member can start the mortgage loan application process.

FIG. 8A illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary page of an applicationwhen a user selects a “More” tab 801 on a tab bar 803. The “More” tab801 brings out a view of core service sections of the application (e.g.,banking, insurance investments), everyday tasks, and member services inthe form of menus. A search input box 805, which allows the user tosearch within all tabs, is displayed on the top portion of the screen. A“Tasks” icon 807 is shown next to the search input box 805, which can beused to modify application preferences by the user.

FIG. 8B illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary page of an applicationwhen a user selects a “More” tab 811 in a tab bar 813. The page showsthree separate menus: 1) Banking, Insurance, Investments; 2) EverydayTasks; and 3) Member Services. When a “Tasks” icon 815 is selected, apull down menu 817 is displayed, which allows the user to view or modifySettings, My Profile, and Contact Us.

FIG. 8C illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary page of an applicationwhen a user selects a “More” tab 821 to configure and customize a tabbar 823. A scaffolding 825 can bounce up into a view, providing anexplanation for the user to customize the tab bar by dragging icons intothe tab bar 823.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary page of anapplication when a member selects a “Homes” tab 901 under “MemberService” menu shown in FIG. 8C. As shown in FIG. 9 , the page includesinformation related to finding a new home for a member. The services mayinclude getting advice related to finding a home, how much a member canafford, calculating home payment, applying for loan, searching forhomes, searching for neighborhoods, or the like. The tab bar shown onthe bottom of the figure can be customized by dragging frequently usedicons into the tab bar 903. In one embodiment, checklists shown in to dolist 905 can be synced with the user's “inbox.”

FIG. 10A illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary page of an applicationwhen a member selects “Auto” under “Member Services” menu shown in FIG.8C. The page provides service, tools, and advice a member need in oneplace. By selecting an arrow for each item on a menu 1001, a user canobtain information related to buying, selling, insuring, maintaining anautomobile, and insurance claims.

FIG. 10B illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary page of an applicationwhen a member selects “Find” button 1003 on the top portion of the pane.Different types of vehicles are displayed, allowing a member to comparepayment calculations for purchasing various vehicles. The page alsodisplays a section on the right hand side, providing advice andquestions and answers related to purchasing automobiles.

FIG. 10C illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary page of anapplication. The page shows an account number and related informationfor paying a payee online. Automatic payments and reminders can be setup on the page.

FIG. 11 illustrates a high level schematic diagram showing an exemplaryflowchart showing navigation control items at the top tier of theapplication architecture. The navigation control items at the top tierof the application architecture can include the following: (D) Banking;(G) Insurance; (J) Investments; (F) Transfer; (E) Pay Bills; and ContactUs. These navigation control items can be provided to a user as adefault set.

In embodiments of the present invention, once the user has beenauthenticated successfully as a current customer, the financialinstitution system can analyze the type and status of accounts held bythe customer. This data can be used to automatically personalize thenavigation control items for the customer by choosing the best possibledefault set of navigation control items and their positions in a tab baras described herein. The personalization/customization of navigationcontrol items are shown as “Custom Tab 1,” “Custom Tab 2,” “Custom Tab3,” “Custom Tab 4,” “Custom Tab 5,” and “Custom Tab 6” in FIG. 11 . Insome embodiments, the customer can further customize the navigationcontrol items according the customer's preferences.

FIG. 6 is a high level block diagram illustrating a computer systemincluding instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdescribed herein. A system 600 includes a computer 610 connected to anetwork 130. The computer 610 includes a processor 620 (also referred toas a data processor), a storage device 622, an output device 624, aninput device 626, and a network interface device 628, all connected viaa bus 630. The processor 620 represents a central processing unit of anytype of architecture, such as a CISC (Complex Instruction SetComputing), RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing), VLIW (Very LongInstruction Word), or a hybrid architecture, although any appropriateprocessor may be used. The processor 620 executes instructions andincludes that portion of the computer 610 that controls the operation ofthe entire computer. Although not depicted in FIG. 6 , the processor 620typically includes a control unit that organizes data and programstorage in memory and transfers data and other information between thevarious parts of the computer 610. The processor 620 receives input datafrom the input device 626 and the network 130 reads and stores code anddata in the storage device 622 and presents data to the output device624.

Although the computer 610 is shown to contain only a single processor620 and a single bus 630, the disclosed embodiment applies equally tocomputers that may have multiple processors and to computers that mayhave multiple busses with some or all performing different functions indifferent ways.

The storage device 622 represents one or more mechanisms for storingdata. For example, the storage device 622 may include read-only memory(ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, opticalstorage media, flash memory devices, and/or other machine-readablemedia. In other embodiments, any appropriate type of storage device maybe used. Although only one storage device 622 is shown, multiple storagedevices and multiple types of storage devices may be present. Further,although the computer 610 is drawn to contain the storage device 622, itmay be distributed across other computers, for example on a server.

The storage device 622 includes a controller (not shown in FIG. 6 ) anddata items 634. The controller includes instructions capable of beingexecuted on the processor 620 to carry out the methods described morefully throughout the present specification. In another embodiment, someor all of the functions are carried out via hardware in lieu of aprocessor-based system. In one embodiment, the controller is a webbrowser, but in other embodiments the controller may be a databasesystem, a file system, an electronic mail system, a media manager, animage manager, or may include any other functions capable of accessingdata items. Of course, the storage device 622 may also containadditional software and data (not shown), which is not necessary tounderstand the invention.

Although the controller and the data items 634 are shown to be withinthe storage device 622 in the computer 610, some or all of them may bedistributed across other systems, for example on a server and accessedvia the network 130.

The output device 624 is that part of the computer 610 that displaysoutput to the user. The output device 624 may be a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) well-known in the art of computer hardware. But, in otherembodiments the output device 624 may be replaced with a gas orplasma-based flat-panel display or a traditional cathode-ray tube (CRT)display. In still other embodiments, any appropriate display device maybe used. Although only one output device 624 is shown, in otherembodiments any number of output devices of different types, or of thesame type, may be present. In an embodiment, the output device 624displays a user interface.

The input device 626 may be a keyboard, mouse or other pointing device,trackball, touchpad, touch screen, keypad, microphone, voice recognitiondevice, or any other appropriate mechanism for the user to input data tothe computer 610 and manipulate the user interface previously discussed.Although only one input device 626 is shown, in another embodiment anynumber and type of input devices may be present.

The network interface device 628 provides connectivity from the computer610 to the network 130 through any suitable communications protocol. Thenetwork interface device 628 sends and receives data items from thenetwork 130.

The bus 630 may represent one or more busses, e.g., USB (UniversalSerial Bus), PCI, ISA (Industry Standard Architecture), X-Bus, EISA(Extended Industry Standard Architecture), or any other appropriate busand/or bridge (also called a bus controller).

The computer 610 may be implemented using any suitable hardware and/orsoftware, such as a personal computer or other electronic computingdevice. Portable computers, laptop or notebook computers, PDAs (PersonalDigital Assistants), mobile phones, pocket computers, tablets,appliances, telephones, and mainframe computers are examples of otherpossible configurations of the computer 610. For example, otherperipheral devices such as audio adapters or chip programming devices,such as EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) programmingdevices may be used in addition to, or in place of, the hardware alreadydepicted.

The network 130 may be any suitable network and may support anyappropriate protocol suitable for communication to the computer 610. Inan embodiment, the network 130 may support wireless communications. Inanother embodiment, the network 130 may support hard-wiredcommunications, such as a telephone line or cable. In anotherembodiment, the network 130 may support the Ethernet IEEE (Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.3x specification. In anotherembodiment, the network 130 may be the Internet and may support IP(Internet Protocol). In another embodiment, the network 130 may be alocal area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). In anotherembodiment, the network 130 may be a hotspot service provider network.In another embodiment, the network 130 may be an intranet. In anotherembodiment, the network 130 may be a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)network. In another embodiment, the network 130 may be any appropriatecellular data network or cell-based radio network technology. In anotherembodiment, the network 130 may be an IEEE 802.11 wireless network. Instill another embodiment, the network 130 may be any suitable network orcombination of networks. Although one network 130 is shown, in otherembodiments any number of networks (of the same or different types) maybe present.

A user mobile computing device 150 can interact with computer 610through network 130. The user mobile computing device 150 includes aprocessor 152, a storage device 154, and an input/output device 156. Thedescription related to processor 620 and storage device 622 isapplicable to processor 152 and storage device 154. As an example, theuser mobile computing device 150 can be a table computer, laptopcomputer, a smartphone, or the like, operated by a member of amembership organization (e.g., the present assignee). Using the usermobile computing device 150, the member can then interact with computer610 operated by the present assignee through network 130 in order toaccess the present assignee's web pages or the like.

The embodiments described herein may be implemented in an operatingenvironment comprising software installed on any programmable device, inhardware, or in a combination of software and hardware. Althoughembodiments have been described with reference to specific exampleembodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changesmay be made to these embodiments without departing from the broaderspirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification anddrawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense.

It is also understood that the examples and embodiments described hereinare for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications orchanges in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the artand are to be included within the spirit and purview of this applicationand scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method performed by aserver system, method comprising: identifying based on account dataassociated with a user of a service, a first navigation control item inan application that executes on a computing device of the user, thenavigation control item being associated with a at least one accountthat is owned by the user through the service, and wherein theapplication is an application associated with a financial institution;identifying, based on the account data, a second navigation control itemin the application that is associated with a type of account that is notowned by the user through the service; determining a personalizedarrangement of navigation control items to be presented in theapplication when executed on the computing device, the personalizedarrangement including positioning the first navigation control item thatis associated with the at least one account in a more prominent locationthan the second navigation control item, based on the first navigationcontrol item being associated with the at least one account that isowned by the user, and based on the second navigation control item beingassociated with the type of account that is not owned by the userthrough the service; and sending, to the computing device, instructionswhich when executed in the application cause the computing device topresent the personalized arrangement of navigation control items fornavigating sections of the application associated with the service. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein: the navigation control items includetabs; and the personalized arrangement is a tab bar that includes thetabs.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first navigation controlitem is horizontally positioned, in the personalized arrangement, leftof the second navigation control item.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first navigation control item is vertically positioned, in thepersonalized arrangement, above the second navigation control item. 5.The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, from the computingdevice, at least one identification element that is used to authenticatethe user with the service; wherein the instructions are sent to thecomputing device in response to a successful authentication of the userbased on the at least one identification element.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein the personalized arrangement is further based on a frequencyof utilization, by the user, of the sections of the application.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the personalized arrangement is further basedon a frequency of utilization, by a peer group of the user, of thesections of the application.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein thepersonalized arrangement is further based on at least one asset value ofthe at least one account owned by the user.
 9. A system comprising: atleast one processor; and a memory communicatively coupled to the atleast one processor, the memory storing instructions which, whenexecuted by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processorto perform operations comprising: identifying based on account dataassociated with a user of a service, a first navigation control item inan application that executes on a computing device of the user, thenavigation control item being associated with a at least one accountthat is owned by the user through the service, and wherein theapplication is an application associated with a financial institution;identifying, based on the account data, a second navigation control itemin the application that is associated with a type of account that is notowned by the user through the service; determining a personalizedarrangement of navigation control items to be presented in theapplication when executed on the computing device, the personalizedarrangement including positioning the first navigation control item thatis associated with the at least one account in a more prominent locationthan the second navigation control item, based on the first navigationcontrol item being associated with the at least one account that isowned by the user, and based on the second navigation control item beingassociated with the type of account that is not owned by the userthrough the service; and sending, to the computing device, instructionswhich when executed in the application cause the computing device topresent the personalized arrangement of navigation control items fornavigating sections of the application associated with the service. 10.The system of claim 9, wherein: the navigation control items includetabs; and the personalized arrangement is a tab bar that includes thetabs.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the first navigation controlitem is horizontally positioned, in the personalized arrangement; leftof the second navigation control item.
 12. The system of claim 9,wherein the first navigation control item is vertically positioned, inthe personalized arrangement, above the second navigation control item.13. The system of claim 9, further comprising: receiving, from thecomputing device, at least one identification element that is used toauthenticate the user with the service; wherein the instructions aresent to the computing device in response to a successful authenticationof the user based on the at least one identification element.
 14. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the personalized arrangement is further basedon a frequency of utilization, by the user, of the sections of theapplication.
 15. The system of claim 9, wherein the personalizedarrangement is further based on a frequency of utilization, by a peergroup of the user, of the sections of the application.
 16. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the personalized arrangement is further based on atleast one asset value of the at least one account owned by the user. 17.One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storinginstructions which, when executed by a computing device, cause thecomputing device to perform operations comprising: identifying based onaccount data associated with a user of a service, a first navigationcontrol item in an application that executes on a computing device ofthe user, the navigation control item being associated with a at leastone account that is owned by the user through the service, and whereinthe application is an application associated with a financialinstitution; identifying, based on the account data, a second navigationcontrol item in the application that is associated with a type ofaccount that is not owned by the user through the service; determining apersonalized arrangement of navigation control items to be presented inthe application when executed on the computing device, the personalizedarrangement including positioning the first navigation control item thatis associated with the at least one account in a more prominent locationthan the second navigation control item, based on the first navigationcontrol item being associated with the at least one account that isowned by the user, and based on the second navigation control item beingassociated with the type of account that is not owned by the userthrough the service; and sending, to the computing device, instructionswhich when executed in the application cause the computing device topresent the personalized arrangement of navigation control items fornavigating sections of the application associated with the service.